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Microinverters And DC Optimizers Via Navigant

Clean energy, especially “Green” generators like solar, are becoming increasingly more popular with commercial producers as the costs drop, output efficiency rises, and incentives proliferate. A leader in global clean technology markets, Navigant Research provides in-depth analysis of new technology and business models that are driving innovation in clean energy, energy storage, and other advanced power technologies, both at the utility scale and on a distributed basis.

One area of their Smart Energy program focuses on Module-Level Power Electronics Market and Technology Trends. They recently produced an analysis on the Installations, Revenue Forecasts, and Key Players in this market. Below is an excerpt, and the complete report is available on their website (please contact them for pricing).

Microinverters and DC optimizers, commonly referred to as module-level power electronics (MLPEs), increase energy harvest and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by converting or conditioning power at the module level. As a result, microinverters and DC optimizers are two of the most disruptive technologies in the solar PV sector today. They are contributing to the strong growth of distributed solar primarily in the United States, but increasingly worldwide. In the span of 3 years, incumbent inverter manufacturers have lost residential market share to well-financed startups that are now progressively targeting commercial-scale markets around the world.

The MLPE industry is moving quickly, with a growing list of solar PV module manufacturers now integrating microinverters and DC optimizers at their own production plants. Large power electronics companies and incumbent manufacturers are making strategic partnerships and acquisitions, a trend that will accelerate in the next few years. Technology advancements, cost declines, and solar PV industry trends indicate that microinverters and DC optimizers are likely to become critical components of smart modules, which will significantly reduce installation costs. At the same time, smart modules will increase functionality by providing grid support and ancillary services while also improving safety and reliability. Navigant Research forecasts a total of 52.7 GW of MLPE technologies will be installed between 2013 and 2020.
This Navigant Research report analyzes the opportunity for microinverters and DC optimizers in the solar PV market worldwide. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of the demand drivers, technology costs, policy factors, and technology issues associated with the market for MLPEs. Global revenue and capacity forecasts, segmented by technology segment and region, extend through 2020. The report also includes profiles of key industry players and provides current and forecast company and technology market share data.